The race to build smaller and more efficient computer chips and batteries faces major challenges in materials organization. Current smart phones, for example, are based upon layered (“2-D”) materials, but nanoscale designs that utilize 3-D architecture are envisioned. To access this third dimension in materials organization, scientists must find ways to direct the flow of atoms before lock
Realizing the full potential of nanodevices will require the ability to place individual elements that are much smaller than the width of a human hair in precise, 3-D configurations. We have developed new materials that allow us to use light and/or electric fields to position individual micro- or nanostructures in precise locations in three dimensions and then to lock them into place using sho
A new class of materials shows great promise for next generation electronics applications. Topological insulators have been heralded for unique properties that may prove crucial to the successful development of devices in the emerging fields of spintronics and quantum computing.
Graphene, a single atom-thin sheet of carbon, can be used to make ultra-fast electronics. Researchers at the University of Maryland Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) are collaborating with the U.S.
Sub-nanometer probes of surfaces provide important information about chemical and physical properties of materials at atomic level. Microwave microscopy (left) is used to study materials properties at GHz (109 sec-1). This is the frequency range relevant for computers and cell phones, for which the materials are being explored.
On the left is a magnetic force microscope (MFM) image of a CoFeB
Basic science concepts developed in IRG1 about jamming of granular materials enabled the development of a new class of soft robotic systems.
Since 2006, members of the University of Chicago MRSEC have visited the Exploratorium and hosted reverse-visits by Exploratorium artists and scientists. The long-term goal is the realization of MRSEC-inspired exhibits on the Exploratorium floor.
